UNA at Athens State

Welcome and thank you for your interest in the M.A. Ed. program in Elementary Education at UNA. The University of North Alabama has a long tradition of preparing highly qualified teachers. I applaud you for becoming part of that tradition.

UNA has operated a successful graduate program in elementary education for many years. We have an established record of offering a quality program in both face-to-face and online settings. The partnership program between UNA and Athens State University is a blended program, which will include both online and face-to-face instruction on the Athens State University campus. UNA has highly qualified faculty with excellent scholarly achievements to teach in this program.

Our current students and alumni, as well as our faculty, invite you to become a more knowledgeable, practicing professional by enrolling in our M.A.Ed. program today! We also invite each of you to visit our beautiful campus located in Florence, Alabama. As the oldest state university in Alabama, the first coeducational university in the South, and one of the first regional universities in the South, we have a rich history in academics as well as athletics. In addition to having two Pulitzer prize-winners as alumni, we count numerous Fortune 500 executives as well. On the athletic field, we boast of six national championships in NCAA Division II sports (three in football, two in basketball, and one in women's volleyball). Our students and alumni are always welcome and encouraged to visit and when possible, to participate in the many activities that are occurring on our campus. Whether an on-campus or online student, you will be an important part of our expanding campus community and we will look forward to counting you as one of our outstanding alumni!

Victoria W. Hulsey, Ed.D.Chair, Department of Elementary Education

Why UNA for your MA in Elementary Education?

The College of Education and Human Sciences at the University of North Alabama has a rich history of preparing teachers. Established in 1830 as then LaGrange College, the University of North Alabama was reestablished in 1872 as the first state-supported teachers college south of the Ohio River. While our program looks very different than it did in 1872, one thing remains the same – our commitment to preparing teachers who are proven to make an impact on student learning. Our MA in Elementary Education has a strong emphasis on applying the latest instructional technology and applying best practice in literacy.

Program Cost and Information

The cost of the MA in Elementary Education at the University of North Alabama is another feature that sets our program apart from others. We pride ourselves in a quality program at a fraction of the cost of similar programs. For detailed information on program cost, go here: http://www.una.edu/bursar/docs/tuition_fees.pdf.

Is the MAT required for admission?No. If you are a graduate of the Athens State University Elementary Education program with a Class B certification, your passing Praxis II score may be used in lieu of an official MAT or GRE score. Complete admission requirements information can be found here: http://www.una.edu/graduate/requirements/education.html.

What is the difference between the Athens State University/UNA Elementary Education MA option and the UNA Elementary Education MA?The Athens State University/UNA Elementary Education MA is a blended approach to the program meaning each class will include some amount of face-to-face instructional time (typically no more than 25%) in addition to the online component. On the other hand, the UNA Elementary Education MA option is available as a completely online program.

When can I begin the program?The Athens State University/UNA Elementary Education MA option will begin with the fall 2013 semester.

How long will it take me to complete the program?The Athens State University/UNA Elementary Education MA student can complete the program in two years if they follow the course rotation schedule found here: Course Rotation Schedule

Is UNA’s Elementary Education MA accredited?Yes. All teacher certification programs are accredited by The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and are approved by the Alabama State Department of Education. In addition, the University of North Alabama is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia, Telephone number 404-679-4501) to award bachelor’s, master’s and education specialist degrees. This accreditation gives regional and national recognition to credits and degrees earned at the University.